Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

This cozy, one-pot Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is the ultimate fall dinner recipe. Tender pork slow-cooked in fresh apple cider, onions, apples, and aromatic herbs makes for a flavorful and hearty meal. Perfect for the cooler months!

Ingredients:

• 4-5 lb pork shoulder roast (or Boston butt roast)*
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 2 cups fresh apple cider* (not apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cups chicken stock or broth
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onion
• 1 head of garlic, top sliced off (opposite of the root end)
• 3 rosemary sprigs
• 4 thyme sprigs
• 1 red onion, cut into thick slices
• 2 firm, slightly tart apples* (peeled and cut into wedges)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F.
2. Prep the pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Cut it into 4 large pieces, or leave whole if bone-in. Pat the pork dry and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
3. Sear the pork: Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the pork in a single layer and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until deeply browned. Brown on all sides. If needed, sear in batches.
4. Make the braising liquid: While the pork is searing, whisk together the apple cider, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and dehydrated minced onion. Set aside. Tie the rosemary and thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine.
5. Braise the pork: Once the pork is browned, pour the braising liquid into the pot. Add the herb bundle and garlic head. Cover and place in the oven. Braise for 3 hours, flipping the pork halfway through. Check for doneness at 2 ½ hours for boneless cuts.
6. Add onions and apples: When the pork is almost fork-tender, remove from the oven and arrange the sliced onions and apple wedges around the pork. Cover and return to the oven for an additional 30-45 minutes, until the pork is very tender.
7. Rest and serve: Let the pork rest in the braising liquid for 30 minutes after removing from the oven. Squeeze the softened garlic cloves into the broth or over the pork. Season the braising liquid with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with the flavorful juices spooned over the pork, apples, and onions.

Enjoy this tender, fall-inspired dish full of comforting flavors!